OPAS: Ontology Processing for Assisted Synthesis of Conceptual Design Solutions

Abstract

This article focuses on a key phase of the conceptual design, the synthesis of structural concepts of solution. Several authors have described this phase of Engineering Design. The Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) is one of these models. This study is based on the combined use of a modified version of Gero’s FBS model and the latest developments of modeling languages for systems engineering. System Modeling Language (SysML) is a general-purpose graphical modeling language for specifying, analyzing, designing, and verifying complex systems. Our development shows how SysML types of diagrams match with our updated vision of the FBS model of conceptual design. The objective of this paper is to present the possibility to use artificial intelligence tools as members of the design team for supporting the synthesis process. The common point of expert systems developed during last decades for the synthesis of conceptual solutions is that their knowledge bases were application dependent. Latest research in the field of Ontology showed the possibility to build knowledge representations in a reusable and shareable manner. This allows the construction of knowledge representation for engineering in a more generic manner and dynamic mapping of the ontology layers. We present here how processing on ontology allows the synthesis of conceptual solutions.

Ontology Learning for Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge

“…The synthesis of design solutions is a stage of the SE design process. Christophe et al (2009) present a framework of conceptual design specific for SE by developing a mid -level ontology to integrate with other ontologies of engineering and the connections with lower taxonomies.…”

Multi-layer cyber-physical control method for mobile robot safety systems

“…al. has proposed OPAS [3] to synthesize conceptual design solutions in early design stages [4]. Early design and a simulation toolkit for mobile robot platforms [5] relying on these methodologies help to design modular universal mobile robots for the industrial logistic environment, inside the manufacturing area.…”

Autonomous vehicle safety evaluation through a high-fidelity simulation approach

“…1). The vehicle was designed and developed from scratch by implementing the previously proposed mechatronic design methodology [13][14][15] with a special focus on early design stages. The first prototype development was a joint venture with TalTech and the local industry Silberauto [16].…”